Dispensing package



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 8, 1955 7 T. E. PIAZZE 2,804,236

DISPENSING PACKAGE Filed April 8, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVIWTOR.

.f I r it States Pater" 2,804,236 Patented Aug. 27, 1957 2,804,236 DISPENSING PACKAGE Thomas E. Piazze, Mount Vernon, Ohio, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Continental Can Company, ind, N ew York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 8, 1953, Serial No. 3-4147?) Claims. (Cl. 221-64) This invention relates to packaging and is more particularly concerned with the packaging of a plurality of receptacles, such as paper drinking cups or similar articles.

It is the general object of the invention to provide a package which comprises a plurality of articles, having the general characteristics of paper drinking cups or the like, arranged in end to end relation within an outer protective wrapper, which wrapper is so constructed that the articles may be conveniently dispensed from one end of the same.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a package comprising a plurality of nested paper cups arranged in a bag or wrapper of transparent film material having adjacent one end thereof a dispensing opening which opening has normally a cross sectional diameter less than the greatest diameter of the cups, but which is distensible, to permit the individual cups to be successively removed therethrough while the remaining cups are retained in the wrapper for subsequent removal.

it is a still more sepcific object of the'invention to provide a dispensing package comprising a plurality of nested articles, such as paper drinking cups, which are characterized by a radially projecting top edge or flange of greater diameter than the body of the cup and a bag or wrapper in which the cups are arranged, which bag is formed of transparent distensible film material with the bottom of the bag initially closed against the bottom of the lowermost cup but adapted to be opened to permit removal of the cup from the bag, and with the bag having in spaced relation to the bottom opening thereof, oppositely disposed inwardly extending side sealed areas of relatively small extent, forming a constricted passageway through which the individual cups may be forced by temporary stretching of the material While the remaining cups are retained in the bag for future withdrawal.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a dispensing package comprising a plurality of receptacles arranged in end to end relation, which receptacles have the general form of paper drinking cups, and an outer transparent flexible bag-like container having at its upper end a closure which incorporates therein means for suspending the package, and having the lower end thereof initially closed with side sealed portions arranged in close proximity thereto and forming a dispensing mouth of restricted cross section, which permits the individual cup to be withdrawn therethrough one by one.

A further object of the invention is to provide a package of nested paper cups arranged in a bag or outer container having a restricted dispensing opening at the bottom end thereof, which opening is formed by placing in oppositely disposed portions of the side walls of the bag inwardly extending side seals of relatively small extent, whereby the cups may be removed through the dispensing opening one by one with the lowermost cup having the bottom portion projecting from the dispensing opening in readily accessible position for removal therefrom.

It is another object of the invention to provide in a dispensing package of nested paper cups or similar articles wherein the article is characterized by an inwardly extending recess in the bottom thereof, an outer dispensing container which is initially closed at the bottom by gathering marginal portions thereof and extending the same 2 through an apertured cap which is positioned in container end enclosing relation within the recess. in the bottom of the lowermost cup.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the packages which are shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation, with portions broken away, of a package of nested paper drinking cups having incorporated therein the principal features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the package shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the package shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the outer container or wrapper which encloses the cups, with the same being shown in flat condition, sealed at the bottom and open at the top, for receiving therein a plurality of cups in nested relation;

Fig. 5 is a view of the bottom end of the package in the position shown in Fig. 1 with the bottom seal removed and the cups in position for dispensing from the bottom opening;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, with portions broken away, of a modified form of the package;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the package shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the package shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the outer container or wrapper which is employed in the formation of the package shown in Fig. 6, with the same being shown in flattened condition and with the top end being provided with a transverse closure seal; and

Fig. 10 is a side elevation, with portions broken away; of a modified form of the package.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 5 there is illustrated a package of drinking cups embodying the principal features of the invention which is particularly adapted for use in the home or in other places where a relatively small number of the cups are desired. The illustrated package comprises a plurality of drinking cups 10 in nested relation which are enclosed in an outer wrapper or container 11 from which the cups are adapted to be withdrawn or dispensed for use.

The cups 10 are of the type which have a generally truncated cone shaped body, with the end having the largest diameter being open and forming the top thereof, and with the opposite end being closed and forming the bottom. The top end is provided with a beaded or rolled marginal edge 12 which projects radially and the outer periphery of which forms the largest diameter of the cup. The cups 10 are generally formed of paper material but they may be formed of any other similar material. They are arranged in nested or stacked rela tion with the top opening of each one uppermost, which is the normal position for receiving liquid or other material, when they are withdrawn from the package for use.

The nested cups 10 are received in an outer wrapper or container 11 which is preferably formed of transparent film material, such as, for example, polyethylene or Pliofilm, having a certain degree of stretchability. The Wrapper or container 11 is preferably supplied in the form of a tubular section which has a normal diameter, when opened up, which is slightly greater than the external diameter of the top beaded margins 12 of the cups 10 which is the maximum diameter of the stack. The container 11 is supplied in flattened condition (Fig. 4) with a transverse closure seal 13 extending across one end of the tubular section and the other end 14 being initially open. The tubular section forming the container 11 is provided immediately adjacent the ends of the bottom transverse seal or seam 13 with two side seams 15, which are relatively narrow and relatively short, and which extend inwardly towards the center of the container or bag 11 in oppositely disposed relation.

The container 11 and'fthe cups are assembled by inserting the stack. of cups 10 througliithe' open'end 14 of the container 11 with the'bottom'rend 16 ofthe end cup being positioned adjacent thesealed end 13 of the container 11. The container 11 is then closed by gathering theopen end 14 thereof towards .the center and extending the same through a central aperture 17 in a' closure member 18 which is thereafter folded upon itself as shown in Fig. 1 and the halves secured over the folded or gathered portion of the bag end 14. p The folded over portions of the closure member 18 may be secured together by a wire staple 19 or any other conventional securing means. After it is folded upon itself the member 18 is preferably provided with an aperture '28 which is adapted to be employed in suspending the package from a hook, or the like, on a wall or other support 7 ing surface, in a convenient location for use.

In order to position the-cups 10 for withdrawal from the container 11 all that is required is to cut off or otherwise remove the seal 13 from the lower end of the container 11 allowing the side seam areas to remain on the end of the container and permitting the lowermost cup 10 to drop partially through the dispensing opening or aperture 21 which is formed between the side seams 15 at the end of the container 11 as shown in Fig. 5. The lowermost cup 10 may be removed from the container 11 by gripping the projecting portion thereof and pulling downward on the same to' withdraw the cup for the container 11 and separate it from the remaining cups in the stack. The material of the container 11 is sufliciently elastic .or stretchableto permit distention thereof at the opening 21 for passage of the lowermost cupwhile retaining the remaining cups in the stack within the confines of the upper portion of the container 11, the bottom cup 10 being in readily accessible position with the lower portion thereof projecting from i the dispensing opening 21.

With the stack of. cups 10 completely enclosed in the container 11, as provided initially, the closure member 18 may be folded over and pushed down somewhat into the top of the uppermost cup 10 for facilitating the packing of a plurality of the packages for shipment. Any number of the cups 10 may be packaged in this manner by varying the length of the tubular section forming the container 11, as required. The size of the cups 10 will, of course, determine the relative diameter of the container 11.

A modified form of the package is illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9. In this form the cups are of generally truncated cone shape with a beaded marginal top edge 31 which constitutes the greatest diameter of the cup and with the bottom of the cup closed by a bottom member 32 which is secured in position by overlapping-interengaging flange formations 33 and 34 on the bottom member 32 and the bottom end margin of the body or side wall of the cup 30. With the cup construction described a downwardly opening bottom recess 35 is provided which is utilized in closing of the outer container 36 in which the cups 30 are enclosed. V

The outer container 36 comprises atubular section of transparent film material which is characterized by being somewhat stretchable and-which is of a length determined by the number of cups 30 which it is desired to package; The container forming section 36 is initially closed at the end which forms the top by a transverse seam 37 and the cups 30, in nested or stacked relation, are inserted from the opposite end 38 which is initially open when the containerris arranged in opened up condition. Two relatively short, relatively narrow, side seam areas 39 are provided in oppositely disposed relation in the wall of the container 36 and in inwardly lit spaced relation to open end 38 thereof. The container wall may also be perforated at 40 for a purpose which will be described.

The cups 30, assembled in .stacked relation, are inserted in the container 36 from the open end 38 ,with the open end of the uppermost cup 30 being moved to a position adjacent the top end seam 37. The external diameter of the top flange 31 of the cups 30 being somewhat larger than the normal diameter of the container 36 between the side seam areas 39Vthe cups force the container material .to stretch or distend at this point during the insertion thereof. After the cups have been inserted the marginal portions at the end 38 of the container 36 are gathered towards the center and projected through an aperture 41 in a perforated circular end cap member 42. which is of the proper external diameter to fit snugly within the bottom recess 35 in the lowermost cup 30 and thereby retain the end 38 of the receptacle 36 in closed position as shown in solid line in Figs. 6 and 8.

' in using the package illustrated in Fig. 6 the dispensing end 38 may be opened by merely pulling on the projecting portions 43 which extend through the aperture 41in the end. closure cap 42. Force applied in a direction away from the endmost cup 30 will cause the closure 42 to be withdrawn from the recess 35 after which it may be entirely removed from the end 38. of the container 36 and the opening cleared for removal of the endmost cup 30. The restricting side seals 39 in the container 36 are located so that the cups do not projectfrom the end 38 of the container 36 but are retained completely covered with the lowermost cup 30 being readily accessible through the opened end of the container 36 so that it may be grasped and withdrawn when desired. The removal of the lowermost cup 30 from the stack in the package creates a certain amount of suction and this is relieved by providing the apertures 40 in the walls of the receptacle 36. The cups 30 may be removed one by one from the dispensing end 38 of the receptacle and upon removal of the last cup the receptacle 36 may be disposed of.

The size of the package will depend upon the size and number of cups 30 which are enclosed in the receptacle 36 and, of course, may be varied as desired. The top 37 of the receptacle 36 may have its projecting ends or corners 44 (Fig. 7) tucked down into the top end of the uppermost cup 30 while the projecting container end portion 43 at the lowerend 33 of the receptacle 36 may be flattened against "the closure cap 42 when a plurality of the packages are assembled in a carton or other container for shipment} If desired, a suitable reinforcing member may be incorporated in the seam 37 fand perforated to permit the package to be suspended from a hook or other support.

A further modification of the package is illustrated in Fig. 10 where a plurality of cups of the type which are generally usedfor the marketing of ice cream or similar products are enclosed in a dispensing'receptacle 51. The cups 50 are of truncated cone shape, with a top margin or bead 52 at the upper or open end thereof. They are arranged in nested relation except for the lowermost one. The lowermost cup 53 is provided at its open end 54 with a flange formation in which there is seated a package of closure caps 55 which may be conveniently enclosed in an outer wrapper 56. The lowermost cup 53 is inserted in the receptacle 51 with the package of caps 55 against the bottom 57 of the next adjacent cup 50. This positions the lowermost cup 53 adjacent the dispensing end 58 of the receptacleSl which may be closed in the same manner as in the form shown in Fig. 6. The receptacle 51 is provided with oppositely disposed side seams 59 adjacent the next to the lowermost cup which forms a passageway of reduced cross section and the aperture 60 is provided in the receptacle wall to permit the receptacle 51 to function in the same manner as the receptacle 36 in the form shown in Fig. 6 for dispensing the cups. However, in this form (Fig. 10) the lowermost cup 53 is removed immediately upon the opening of the dispensing end 58 of the container 51 and the package of caps 55 is made immediately available for use. The remaining cups 50 in the stack at the uppermost portion of the package are available for removal in successive order with the lowermost receptacle having itsbottom portion extending below the dispensing passageway provided by the sealed side seams 59. From this form of the package it will be obvious, that, if desired, a plurality of filled receptacles, or empty capped receptacles, may be packaged in the same manner as the stack of nested cups.

The oppositely disposed side seams which define the restricted passageway for the cups may vary in number in each form of the package shown and may take a different form, so long as the outer container is provided with the desired passageway of restricted cross section which will permit removal of the bottom or endmost cup while the remaining cups are prevented from following the cup which is withdrawn until each successive cup in the stack is grasped and individually removed from the package.

While specific materials for use in forming the outer dispensing receptacle are referred to in describing the outer dispensing receptacle are referred to in describing the illustrated forms of the invention it will be understood that other equivalent materials are contemplated within the spirit of the invention. Also it will be understood that the package is not restricted to the marketing of paper cups but that other articles of a similar nature which can be dispensed from the container disclosed may be packaged in the same manner.

I claim:

1. A package comprising a plurality of cups which cups are characterized by being in the form of a truncated cone with the upper open end having a radially projecting edge formation and with a closed bottom end having a downwardly projecting peripheral edge defining a downwardly opening recess, said bottom end being of less diameter than the upper end, said cups being arranged in nested relation, and a tube-like outer container enclosing the nested cups, which container has a normal internal diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the upper edge formation of the cups, said container having an open lower end which in the initial condition of the package is gathered towards the center thereof and extended through an aperture in a closure cap, said closure cap being adapted to be removably retained in the downwardly opening recess in the bottom of the lowermost cup, and said outer container having oppositely disposed :side seals of relatively short length and relatively narrow width which are positioned adjacent the upper edge of the lowermost cup when the package is full.

2. A package comprising a plurality of cup-like articles which are characterized by being in the form of a truncated cone with the upper open end having a pcripheral edge constituting the maximum diameter of the article, said articles having a closed bottom end with a downwardly projecting peripheral edge defining a downwardly opening recess, said cups being assembled in end to end relation, and a cylindrical outer container of stretchable film material enclosing the assembled articles, which outer container has a normal internal diameter somewhat greater than the maximum diameter of the articles, said outer container being sealed at the upper end thereof and having an open lower end which in the initial condition of thepackage is gathered towards the center thereof, an apertured closure cap positioned over the gathered end of the outer container, said closure cap being adapted to be removably retained in the downwardly opening recess in the bottom of the lowermost article, and said outer container having oppositely disposed sideseals in the walls thereof which are of relatively short length and relatively narrow width and which are positioned adjacent the upper edge of the lowermost article when the package is full to provide a stretchable dispensing opening, which dispensing opening is normally of slightly less diameter than the maximum diameter of the articles.

3. A package comprising a plurality of cup-like articles which are characterized by having a closed bottom end with a downwardly projecting peripheral edge defining a downwardly opening recess, said articles being assembled in end to end relation, and a tube-like outer container enclosing the assembled articles, which outer container has an open lower end, the marginal portions at said lower end in the initial condition of the package being gathered towards the center thereof, and a circular closure cap having a central aperture receiving the gathered end of the outer container, said closure cap being of a diam eter to fit snugly within the downwardly opening recess in the bottom of the lowermost article whereby the peripheral edges of the closure cap frictionally clamp marginal portions of said outer container within said recess in the lowermost article.

4. A package comprising a plurality of cup-like articles which are characterized by being in the form of a truncated cone with the upper open end having the greatest cross sectional area and with a closed bottom end having a downwardly projecting peripheral edge defining a downwardly opening recess, said articles being assembled in end to end relation, and a cylindrical outer'container of stretchable film material enclosing the assembled articles, which outer container has a normal cross sectional area somewhat greater than the greatest cross sectional area of the articles, said container having an open lower end with the marginal portions thereof initially gathered towards the center thereof, an apertured closure cap, said closure cap being adapted to be removably retained in the downwardly opening recess in the bottom of the lowermost article with the gathered portions of the outer container extending through the aperture therein, and said outer container having oppositely disposed side seals of relatively short length and relatively narrow width which are positioned below the upper edge of the lowermost article in the package to provide a dispensing opening normally of a diameter less than the maximum diameter of the articles.

5. A package comprising a plurality of cup-like articles which are characterized by having a closed bottom end with a downwardly projecting peripheral edge defining a downwardly opening recess, said articles being assembled in end-to-end relation, and a tube-like outer container enclosing the assembled articles, which outer container has an open lower end, the marginal portions at said lower end in the initial condition of the package being gathered toward the center thereof, and a closure cap having a central aperture receiving the gathered end of the outer container, said closure cap being adapted to be removably retained in the downwardly opening recess in the bottom of the lowermost article, said outer container being formed of stretchable film material and having seams formed in the side walls thereof which provide a passageway of a normal cross sectional area less than the maximum cross sectional area of the articles, which passageway is adjacent the top edge of the lowermost article.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,398,030 Luellen Nov. 22, 1921' 2,112,477- Brownfield Mar. 29, 1938 2,186,205 Piken Jan. 9, 1940 2,335,914 Buttery Dec. 7, 1943! 2,340,090 Vineburgh Jan. 25, 1944 2,469,366 Burbank May 10, 1949 2,634,886 Land Apr. 14, 1953 

